MORE than a thousand people joined the ANZAC Day march and service at Mount Isa yesterday in spite of the cooler weather and sporadic rain.

Hundreds lined West Street to clap and cheer the returned servicemen and women, current armed forces personnel, fire and rescue services, police and other services as well as school children, Girls' and Boys' Brigade, Scouts and Girl Guides.

Mount Isa RSL president Nev Mersky said the turnout was excellent.

"It was great to see so many kids in the march and at the service.

"It's very clear that Anzac Day is not diminished at all by the passing years," Mr Mersky said.

Councillor Les Bunn acted as Master of Ceremonies for the main service at the cenotaph at George McCoy Park and oversaw the wreath laying as numerous organisations, schools and individuals placed wreaths on the cenotaph.

Padre George Fergusson said the examples of sacrifice, courage and mateship were something we wanted to honour.

"If we are not aware we can lose the benefits of what we have gained through that sacrifice," he said.

He said sacrifice was appopriate for every day life as well.

"We need people in this country to be a friend to those who have no friends.

"Courage is needed to stand up and be the person who is needed at that moment.

"To help someone else is to give up and sacrifice something," Mr Fergusson said.